Hear a Live Friday XPN Free At Noon Concert at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast Live Fridays from the stage atWorld Cafe Live

The NJ duo The Front Bottoms have their self-title debut album out on Bar None Records. They play The Note in West Chester on January 25, 2012, and will be here for an XPN Free At noon on Friday, January 6!

There's no real way to pin down the sound of The Front Bottoms, an up-and-coming duo from New Jersey. They self-describe as acoustic, indie pop-punk, but Brian Sella (vocals, guitars) and Mathew Uychich (drums, bullhorn) "like to keep it familiar so that it's not too intimidating, but we always make sure it's not immediately recognizable," as Sella said. The two have known each other since they were in their first decade of life, and they've been making music together almost as long.

The Front Bottoms were officially formed in 2006, and they've just released their official, eponymous debut on Bar/None Records. It's an irreverent and smart release, mostly acoustic guitar and drums, but some indie folk instrumentation as well. The result is inspired in part by Joni Mitchell, probably Bruce Springsteen, and no doubt a long friendship between Sella and Uyich. The Front Bottoms are a young duo to keep an eye on, and their deft balance between comical and emotional is evident on-stage and off.

Don't miss out on this sure-to-be energizing Free at Noon, the first of the New Year. What better way to start it off with one of our latest World Cafe: Next artists?

Hear a concert live Friday XPN Free At Noon Concert at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

One of South Philly's original rockers, the inimitable Charlie Gracie has a career that spans over 60 years, numerous albums, and oceans. His first taste of the spotlight came at the tender young age of 14 when he played on the Paul Whiteman television show. He began to combine blues, country, and gospel into a pioneering rock sound that gave Gracie hit after hit throughout the '50s. He headlined consistently at all the big name venues on the East Coast (Chicago Opera House, AC's 500 Club, the Brooklyn Paramount, etc.) and he gained fans in the highest of places--the Beatles' Harrison called Gracie's technique 'brilliant' and McCartney recently paid tribute to Gracie through a re-recording of one of his biggest hits, "Fabulous".

Decades and several releases have passed since Gracie burst onto the scene, but the sprightly 75-year-old is still doing what he loves best--making great music. This past decade, he's been on plenty of tours (one with rocker and fan Van Morrison), and has also just released a full-length called "For the Love of Charlie". Produced by Al Kooper (of Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix fame), this twelve-track collection also features the contributions of Graham Nash, (Crosby, Stills Nash & Young), Peter Noone (Herman's Hermits), Jimmy Vivino (guitarist & music director of Conan O'Brien Show), Craig Ross (keyboards for Lenny Kravitz) and Dennis Diken (drummer for Smithereens). It's clear that Gracie's influence and precocity for original rock has only grown over the years.

Charlie and his band play have a brand new single out, called "Babydoll." He plays Cannstatter's Crystal Ballroom in the Northeast on New Year's Eve. Don't miss Charlie Gracie, one of rock'n'roll's pioneers, on the World Cafe Live stage this Friday. It's the last Free at Noon of the year, and what better way to celebrate the incoming 2012?

Hear a concert live Friday XPN Free At Noon Concert at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

Philly's punk rock heroes The Dead Milkmen have reunited and released their new album, "The King in Yellow" in March. Celebrating this release and return to the Philadelphia punk rock scene, The Dead Milkmen will be performing at the Free At Noon this Friday, December 23.

Even before their national fame, The Dead Milkmen's satirical punk stylings were a staple of 1980's underground and college radio rock. Already a Philadelphia living legend, the band reached commercial success in the late 80's with the release of their album, "Beelzebubba." The album's single, "Punk Rock Girl," landed The Dead Milkmen on MTV rotation and the Billboard's Top 200 Albums when it was released. As their sound mellowed out, The Dead Milkmen faded from the punk rock scene, and eventually split up.

In 2004, the band members began to discuss reuniting, following their successful "Now We Are 20" retrospective released the year before. Unfortunately, plans to reunite were derailed when bassist Dave Schulthise committed suicide. The remaining band members played two tribute shows for Dave and donated the proceeds to several organizations that he supported. The band didn't play together again until 2008, when they performed at the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin with Dan Stevens on bass. To prepare for the festival, The Dead Milkmen played two warm-up shows in their hometown, Philadelphia. The success of these reunion shows inspired the members to officially move forward as an active band. Over the next two years, they toured and wrote material, finally releasing "The King in Yellow," in early 2011.

Be sure to tune in to The Dead Milkmen this Friday at 12noon ET, where they'll perform material from their new album. Listen Online or On-the-Radio at 88.5FM

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

Chicago's JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound play Kung Fu Necktie with Sunny Day in Philly on Thursday night, December 15. They'll be here for a double header with Gary Clark Jr., for a Free At Noon on Friday, December 16, 2011

XPN Artist To Watch, JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound are hopelessly nostalgic, in love with the Chicago soul scene from the 1970s. self-described as heavy-soul, and guitarist Billy Bungeroth explained that the group marries classic soul with contemporary sound thus: they take rock and R&B from prior to 1975, before it lost its novelty, and the then underground punk and hip-hop movements of the same period. "Our music is just re-imagining that first era with the knowledge of the second underground era," he explained in a 2009 interview, after their debut album "Beat of Our Own Drum," was released. Since then, they have collaborated with the likes of Syl Johnson, Renaldo Domino and Nate Evans from the Impressions. They've also released another album, "Want More." Their shows are outrageously fun, and it's difficult to believe that singer JC Brooks isn't a soul legend from the '70s when he belts out their danceable, lyrically packed tunes. JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound are reincarnating a moment in music history by breathing fresh air into it. Here's to hoping they never move on.

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound will be performing here at WXPN and World Cafe Life on December 16 at noon. Make sure to come out for a show that's sure to be as soulful as it is fresh.

And just about every listener feels the pull as keenly with the Peace Creeps on stage or through headphones. Don't miss them on the stage with Beck & Cauthen this Friday at noon.

Boasting a trio of self-produced albums under his belt, Gary Clark Jr. is a rising star of the thriving music scene in Austin, Texas. He began playing guitar at the tender young age of 12, and has since expanded his repertoire to the harmonica, bass, and drums; he's also the winner of multiple accolades, including the Austin Music Award for Best Blues Band in three separate years. But he plays more than just blues, cutting through genres to produce a stunning blend of reggae, rock and soul. Though still only in his 20s, Clark has shared the stage with legends like Jimmie Vaughan, Sheryl Crow, and Eric Clapton. And, this past summer, he played the XPoNential Music Festival (http://www.xpn.org/events/xponential-music-festival/2011/artist?artist=23). Clark can sing some sweet R&B but mostly he's a blistering blues and rock artist at heart

In Augst, he released his third offering, an EP entitled "The Bright Lights EP." The four-song collection has already gotten rave reviews, with Rolling Stone describing Clark as a mind-blowing young blues guitarist. If anything, this tantalizing release has built Clark an eager audience, excitedly anticipating a full-length.

Gary plays The Mercurry Lounge in New York City on Debember 13, 8x10 Club in Baltimore on December 16, and Red Palace in D.C. on December 17.

Gary Clark Jr. joins JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound for a free noontime concert this Friday at WXPN and World Cafe Live. There's no better way to start the weekend, especially if it's a double dose of blues and soul.

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

JD Souther is a veritable country-rock living legend, writing songs over his impressive career for the likes of The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and Jackson Browne. He's on tour in support of his latest album "Natural History," and will be here for an XPN Free At Noon on December 2, along with a special set by Magnolia Memoir.

After Souther relocated to Nashville, he wrote for an even greater variety of artists--India Arie, Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, and Brooks & Dunn and over time has accumulated numerous awards for hit records, Grammy nominations and gold and platinum albums. He's also a successful solo artist, releasing several charting albums in the '70s and '80s. In 2008, he released his fifth solo album. Though "If the World Was You" is undeniably Souther--hearty, solid country-rock--the years of change are evident in this collection. Now he's back with a follow-up, released just this past May.

"Natural History" is retrospective and hearty, full of a mix of obscure recordings from Souther's long history, a new song, and plenty of reclamations from his past - the Eagles with 'The Sad Cafe', 'Best Of My Love' and 'New Kid In Town', and Linda Ronstadt with 'Faithless Love' are now all Souther's again. Souther described the result as "smoky and rainy", almost like "film noir", full of occasionally jazzy acoustics and his sophisticated vocals.

Don't miss JD Souther at this Free at Noon, as he brings some truly inspired country rock to the World Cafe stage. There's not a better way to start the weekend!

Magnolia Memoir brings the sultry danceability of jazz to contemporary rock. Self-described as "Billie Holiday meets the Killers with a dash of the Clash," LA-based Magnolia Memoir is making waves. Vocalist and songwriter Mela Lee boasts a five-octave range and a girlishly sweet voice, which has been featured in numerous movies, television shows and commercials. With Alexander Burke as music director and keyboardist, bassist Gordon Bash, guitarist Aron Forbes and Matt Lucich on drums, the ensemble will be doing a special acoustic set opening for J.D Souther this week's Free at Noon show. They are currently touring their EP "What's A Good Girl Do?" and their debut album "The Perfect Crime" will be released on eOne Music Group in February.

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

Austin's White Denim has a style that is different album to album, song to song and even within a song. They incorporate everything from garage rock to acid blues, from pop to post-punk, and still maintain a distinct sound. The band formed in 2005 when the four founding members played a show together. Joshua Block, James Petralli and Lucas Anderson of Parque Touch and Steve Terebecki of Peach Train began to play as Parque Touch, but when Anderson moved to Russia the following year, the resulting trio changed their name to White Denim and jumped into the Austin circuit. They have released five albums in the last four years and each has exceeded the expectations set by the previous album. Today, White Denim's member count is back up to four, with the addition of Austin Jenkins, a second guitarist. They released a new album this past summer called "D" and are currently touring the country on a tour called "For D." They'll be playing from their newest album here at XPN's Free At Noon at World Cafe Live for free on Friday, November 11 at noon. Come on down. Just RSVP now.

Angel Band will be playing XPN's Free At Noon concert series.

Hear a live Friday Concert at 12noon ET each week from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast Live from the stage at World Cafe Live

Listen to the Live Friday Free At Noon Concert on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen

From the Santa Monica Pier to Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble, with three solid years of touring under their collective belt, Angel Band has rapidly expanded their following from opening act up to headliner status. No audience has been known to have been unmoved by Angel Band's all-out stage presence, signature rootsy, bluesy Americana songs, superb back-up band and the vocals of leader and lyricist Nancy Josephson and fellow Angels Kathleen Weber and Aly Paige. Initially performing as opening act and backup singers for Josephson's husband, world-class roots musician David Bromberg at Bonnaroo, Merlefest, the Philadelphia Folk Festival and other high profile events, Angel Band has moved up to playing prestigious concert venues on their own. Voted one of the Top 10 Favorite Bands at Bonnaroo, Angel Band are clearly a group on the ascent.

Born and raised in new York City, Nancy Josephson says "I don't ever remember not singing," and was thumping on an acoustic guitar at age six. She learned to play stand-up bass and was a founding member of the all-girl bluegrass group, the Buffalo Gals. After a move to California in the mid 70's she performed with a number of well-known bluegrass and "new grass" performers, including Arlo Guthrie, Peter Rowan and the Free Mexican Airforce, Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick (of the Good Ol' Persons), and The David Bromberg Big Band. She has also sung back-up with Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt and Phoebe Snow, among others.

In 1980, David and Nancy moved to Chicago, where he studied violin making while Nancy sang commercial jingles, joined The Annettes as the only Caucasian in a 30-voice women's choir, raised two young children and switched to visual arts as her main creative outlet.
When the city of Wilmington, Delaware asked David and Nancy to become artists in residence in 2002, Nancy initially refrained from joining the bluegrass sessions David organized there, until Bromberg started raving about a mother and sister vocal duo that might accommodate a third voice. "Mainly to satisfy David" Nancy attended the next jam and was hooked by the resultant three-part harmonies. Thus began the formation of Angel Band.

Kathleen Weber comes from a musical family in Philadelphia. She is a four-year veteran of the Angel Band and a lifelong singer; one critic exclaimed "her deep, bluesy voice seems almost out of place in her small frame." You can really hear her influences channeled: Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin and and Alison Krause, among others. Her versatility allows her to move easily between Angel Band's low down and dirty and simple, sweet songs.
Aly Paige's vocals are clear, clean and powerful. Originally from Delaware, now living in Philadelphia, Aly joined the band as a novice in the Americana world, but with some roots in the world of opera. Aly belts with the best of them, and one can hear a little Etta James in her approach to the material; soulful, soaring, then close up and intimate, Aly's approach captivates and ignites the audience.

Listen to the Live Friday Free At Noon Concert on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen

Matthew Sweet is on tour in support of the 20th Anniversary re-issue of his classic 1991 album, Girlfriend and plays World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington, on Friday night October 28, and Sellersville Theatre on Thursday, November 3. He'll play XPN Free At Noon at the Queen on Friday, October 28.

Creating catchy rock/powerpop music seems to always have been an integral part of Matthew Sweet's life. Sweet was off to an early start in his musical career, self-recording several solo pieces onto four-tracks and later recording with his high-school band Specs for a battle of the bands LP. Such mild stepping stones in Sweet's life lead him straight to the heart of the 80's Athen's music scene. After settling in Athens for college, he found himself collaborating with several groups and top artist including Community Trolls with Michael Stipe (R.E.M.), Oh-Ok and Buzz of Delight.
By the mid-80's, Sweet landed himself a deal with Columbia Records and later A&M Records. While his poppy tunes and catchy riffs were praised, he never quite achieved mainstream status. It wasn't until the release of his third album "Girlfriend" (1991) that his expanding melodic sound broke through the boundaries of the pop aesthetic and paved the way to a more successful career. With a newfound momentum, Sweet embarked on assembling new bands, such as The Thorns (2002), and working on several new solo projects. Among his most recent work is his solo-album Modern Art. Full of yearning pop, infectious medolies, and witty wordplay, "Modern Art" proves to be another successful release for Matthew Sweet.

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

One of the longest-running bands to come from the first-generation British punk
movement, The Mekons have been making music since 1977. Punk at the core but not afraid to mix it up, The Mekons have dabbled in a range of other genres, from folk to reggae. But the eight members of The Mekons are still defined by their brand of post-apocalyptic cowboy punk, which has garnered them a significant amount of acclaim. Their 28th album, titled Ancient and Modern, was released just this past September--and it holds to Mekon sound, albeit some evidencing some of the Mekon's mellowing over time. But that doesn't mean it's any less charming.

True to form, the Mekons have infused Ancient and Modern with plenty of hooks and clever, thought-provoking lyrics. Group choruses abound in The Mekons' music and the band actually sound they are having fun when they play. It is this fact that makes The Mekons so appealing: in an age where being cool means acting unaffected, The Mekons are still not afraid to put everything on the table and to have fun while doing it.

Wrapping up a list of tour dates in the Midwest and Eastern US, the Mekons will be visiting World Cafe. Come see one of the longest-running, and still rocking, bands in the history of punk at XPN's Live Friday on October 7. It's free and it's undoubtedly the best way to start your weekend.

Incorporating his Latin background – his parents are both Argentinean – into his lush, delicate music, Diego Garcia’s deeply reflective music calls to mind the likes of Leonard Cohen and Morrissey. Garcia writes incredibly introspective, often-anguished lyrics, and subtly fuses the Spanish guitar with a more traditional folk sound. With lyrics that explore a range of emotional planes, Garcia is a master of subtlety: Whether it is with panicking guitar strums, twinkles of Spanish guitar, or his soft and intimate musings, Garcia is able to delicately move the listener on an emotional level. He manages to weave his sounds like a tapestry, crafting a dreamlike, confidential album that is sure to leave listeners wanting more. After all, the album is all about his wife, Laura, and signifies a new, more personal chapter in music-making for this talented artist.

Don't miss this Free at Noon--Diego Garcia's emotional web of sound can't be beat when it comes to starting off the weekend.

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

Fresh off an appearance on the David Letterman Show, and just nominated by Mojo Magazine as "Best Live Band," The Jim Jones Revue play The Blockley in Philly on Friday September 16, and will surley rock, on the next XPN Free At Noon on September 16!

There's sure to be not a little fire and brimstone. If you've ever wanted to see rock'n'roll incarnated, the Jim Jones Revue is probably the closest thing to it. The five-piece garage-and-blues rock outfit from London came together in 2008, when frontman Jim Jones (a veteran of rock, creating solid songs since the '80s) met guitarist Rupert Orton at the aptly named 'Not the Same Old Blues Crap' club night. They recorded an eponymous debut in just 48 hours that year, and news of their back-to-basics sound, inspired by the likes of The Sonics and Little Richard, quickly began to spread.

Now The Jim Jones Revue is onto their second release, which is out on August 16th in the US. They've created another masterpiece of bluesy riffs and raspy vocals, all infused with endless, primal energy.
The band previewed "Burning Your House Down" at London nightclub Madame Jojo's for a sold-out audience last September. Oasis singer Liam Gallagher as well as members of Grinderman and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds were in attendance, and it's safe to say that the reputation of The Jim Jones Revue is growing. "Burning Your House Down" could very likely take the US by storm, just as it has across the pond.

Produced by Jim Sclavunos (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Grinderman), this 11-track collection catches most of the power of The Jim Jones Revue on stage, but to get the full effect of their take-no prisoners vibe, a live performance is necessary. Thus, this week's Free at Noon is not to be missed. There's not a better way to start the weekend!

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, Deer Tick have a new album on the way in October called Divine Providence, and they will be here to start out the Labor Day Weekend right, with a Free At Noon concert on September 2, 2011!

Complete with strings, drums, guitars, and bass, Deer Tick is a self-described rock-rock-rock outfit with a little something more--a twist of alt-country and gritty blues, as demonstrated on their 2010 studio album, The Black Dirt Sessions. With their serious music and humorous on-stage banter, these five young musicians have one goal: to rock across the continent.

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

The Peace Creeps, featuring frontman Richard Bush formerly of The A's, plus a special set from newcomers from Texas, Beck & Cauthen. Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

One of two great Live Friday artists gracing the World Cafe stage this week, The Peace Creeps are a Philly-based psychedelic rock outfit. Front man Richard Bush was originally the leader of local icons The A's, but after some label issues Bush brought together guitarist John Marchiano, drummer Jeff Pancoast and bass guitarist Roy Fisher. The Peace Creeps had gotten their start. Their debut, "Autumn of Love", brought together a number of local musiciams on a nostalgic and colorful journey through human experience.

Just about five years later, The Peace Creeps are back with their second offering. "Time Machine" is definitely an album for Bush to hold his '60s rock reverence high--one can easily here the Beatles, the Stones, and British Invasion as influences, along with more contemporary and closer inspirations such as Dr. Dog and Wilco. Yet "Time Machine" is aptly named--it's clear that this album was deeply inspired by the Era of Flower Children and their best rock. Any listener can tell that Bush means it when he sings,

"We can do anything we want to when I get my time machine together.
I'll stop back and pick you up, we'll go and meet The Beatles."

And just about every listener feels the pull as keenly with the Peace Creeps on stage or through headphones. Don't miss them on the stage with Beck & Cauthen this Friday at noon.

David Beck and Paul Cauthen have both been professional musicians, going solo, for some time. Both natives of Texas, they had childhoods full of music--Beck was the son of a successful touring artist, and Cauthen was singing in church at the age of seven, learning guitar from his grandfather. Both eventually made their way to Austin, where they formed a collaboration in 2009 after a series of chance musical encounters. Today, Beth & Cauthen have just cut their studio debut, "Sons of Fathers".

Beck & Cauthen could best be described as roots rock powerhouse--with influences such as Robert Earl Keen, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Stones, the moving harmonies of this duo can be deeply country, folksy, experimental, or just plain rock-based. After secluding themselves in Doss, Texas, to perfect their finest work, Beck & Cauthen headed to the studio. Their debut was produced by Grammy winner Lloyd Maines, and it promises to be full of their signature melodies, fine instrumentation, and the feel of Texas on the road. Beck & Cauthen currently have a number of shows lined up in the Lone Star State, but they will be in Philly this weekend, so catch them at the Free at Noon! They're playing with Philly natives, The Peace Creeps. There's no better way to start the weekend--two great acts, a beer, and good company.

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

The War On Drugs will release their new album Salve Ambient on August 9. They play Johnny Brenda's on August 18, and will be here for an XPN Free At Noon on August 12!

This week's Live Friday features a local band that's been gaining a lot of buzz, both here and across the pond. With lyrical and vocal techniques reminiscent of Petty, Springsteen, and Dylan and the blazing guitar rifts of Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, Philadelphia trio The War on Drugs plays retrospective music in a progressive manner. Founding members Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile met at a party and indulged in their mutual admiration for Bob Dylan. The two would soon begin recording together. Granduceil's gritty vocals are supported by the band's dreamy ambience, inventing a masterful soundscape. With their full-length debut, "Wagonwheel Blues", the band experimented with various sounds and influences, blending noisy distortions and roots rock.

Though Kurt Vile has left the band and other line up changes have occured, The War on Drugs have been steadily building an audience--locally and abroad--in the past few years. Their latest release, "Slave Ambient", has them embarking on an extensive tour both in the States and abroad. "Slave Ambient" is a hearty dose of rock 'n' roll, with plenty of side influences. From the expertly placed synthesizers and bold electric guitars to the undercurrents of country rock and old pop ditties, "Slave Ambient" is just plain stimulating. It's been under construction for four years, recorded in Granduciel's home studio here in Philly. Don't miss this chance to hear from The War on Drugs right before the official release of their second proper album. It's the Free at Noon at World Cafe Live, and it's the best way to start off the weekend.

And, check out their performance from the 2008 XPoNential Music Festival. Listen to the full concert at NPR.org/music, recorded live in concert from WXPN at Wiggins Park in Philadelphia on July 11, 2008.

Hear a concert live Friday at 12noon ET from WXPN and NPR Music
Broadcast live Fridays from the stage at World Cafe Live

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

An Acoustic Session with Frightened Rabbit

Frightened Rabbit is in town supporting Death Cab for Cutie, and plays the Mann Music Center on Friday night at 7:30pm - opening for Death Cab for Cutie. They will be here for a live "Free At Noon" show Friday, August 5.

Since their formation in 2004, Scottish indie rockers Frightened Rabbit have been lauded for their folk-tinged introspection. Their breakthrough album, "Midnight Organ Fight," launched the band into international acclaim. Led by singer/guitarist Scott Hutchison, Frightened Rabbit recently released "The Winter of Mixed Drinks" to critical acclaim. A grand, sweeping album, "The Winter of Mixed Drinks" finds Frightened Rabbit adding an uplifting, optimistic tone to their music that was previously not to be found. This works well for Frightened Rabbit too; their music sounds urgent and
important, while still being very soulful and emotive. Featuring intelligent wordplay, densely layered guitars, and fervent choruses, the album's themes of liberation and escape are highlighted throughout. Complete with smooth, slick production, "The Winter of Mixed Drinks" serves as a sort of bridge for these Scottish musicians from their more lo-fi, folk roots. Thanks to many years spent honing and polishing their sound, Frightened Rabbit have created an impressive, complex album worthy of all its hype.

"The Winter of Mixed Drinks" has done very well since its release, charting very high on the US and UK Independent Albums. Critics are not holding back the praise either, first calling it a contender for the Best of 2010 and often noting the 'sharp' songwriting. As best put by Dave Simpson from The Guardian, "...most of their songs – with themes of escape, freedom and reinvention – have huge impassioned choruses that are made to be shouted from the nearest available mountain." Their live performances are just as passionate.

Currently, Frightened Rabbit is touring the US, headlining as well as sharing the stage with names as big as Death Cab for Cutie. Don't miss them this Friday as the light up the stage at World Cafe--it's the Free at Noon, Scottish style! There can't be a better way to start the weekend.

A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music. Made possible by support from XPN Members, and Comcast.

Live from the Kimmel Center Plaza and Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

This Month, XPN Free At Noon is On The Road Live from the Kimmel Center Plaza and PIFA

This week's free at noon performance features the renowned Duncan Sheik, a multiple award winning singer-songwriter and Broadway composer, who from the start of his career was a top Billboard charter. After releasing his self-titled debut album in 1996 on Atlantic Records, his smashing single "Barely Breathing" brought Sheik into the songwriting spotlight and the album was certified Gold. Despite his incredibly strong start, Sheik continued to take each of his subsequent albums to new territories of sound, content and structure. Expanding from pop elements to orchestral arrangements and important social concerns, his sound exponentially matured with time. So while Shiek's occasional returns to pop territory brought him back into mainstream popularity, his additional projects as a composer exposed his talent for putting together elaborate works.

While continuing to produce albums, Sheik also forayed into the world of Broadway plays. Teaming up with Stephen Sater, he composed music for the Grammy and Tony award winning musical Spring Awakening, for which he won awards for Best Orchestration and Best Original Score. His success as a composer lives on, but to many fans, the announcement of his upcoming release comes as a pleasant surprise. Following 2009's Whisper House, his sixth full length album to date, he plans on releasing an album full of synth-pop 80's covers. Due for release on June 7, the album is aptly called
Covers 80's and explores takes on classic tunes from Depeche Mode, New Order, The Cure and more. Featuring some additions from folk vocal sweethearts Rachael Yamagata and Holly Brook, the covers are undeniable Sheik and personal.

Duncan's new album, Covers 80's will be out in June. He'll play a full show at World Cafe Live in Philly on June 12.

A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music. Made possible by support from XPN Members, and Comcast.

Live from the Kimmel Center Plaza and Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

This Month, XPN Free At Noon is On The Road Live from the Kimmel Center Plaza and PIFA

From hipsters to housewives, there is something universally appealing about The Low Anthem's traditional ly rooted yet innovative style. The Rhode Island-based group's organic, sincere and markedly pleasant tunes have landed them as the quintessential Americana group of the year. Their sound is highly distinguishable, with husky vocals and poetically crafted lyrics supported by a foundation of rich harmonies, heavy blues guitar, upright bass, drums and clarinet. Citing Tom Waits, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan as their main influences, The Low Anthem produce their folksy, layered sound with a tenacity for the natural--they have been known to forego PA systems and amplification in order to blend with their surroundings. "If there's a new definition of Americana, The Low Anthem have created it" (Bruce Warren- XPN).

Since the release of The Low Anthem's first self-titled album, they have undergone many positive changes, incorporating a growing dose of raw minimalist rock sound. The new edge was a great feature on their third and critically acclaimed record, "Oh My god, Charlie Darwin," an album that captured the deapth and beauty of folk Americana. Now, the follow up to Oh My God, Charlie Darwin shakes off some of thir their past wimsy and taps into something that is much more visceral and melancholic. Aptly called "Smart Flesh," the recent release sounds humanly organic, though as it treads on misty layers of sound that in turn sound moodily haunting, it is evident that they use their words and their music to dig deeper than anything superficially skin deep.

This is a band that must be experienced, here's your opportunity to catch them live!

The Low Anthem is on tour in support of their new album Smart Flesh. They play the Electric Factory in Philly with Iron & Wine On Thursday, April 21, and will play Live Friday Free At Noon from the Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center, as part of Philadelphia International Festival Of The Arts on April 22.

Inside World Cafe's Ireland Adventure

Live from the Kimmel Center Plaza and Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

This Month, XPN Free At Noon is On The Road Live from the Kimmel Center Plaza and PIFA

With her early works teaming with folk and jug band styles, Eilen Jewell has since explored everything from country gospel, blues, R&B and even 60's inspired garage rock.

Her story begins as early as age 7, when the singer-songwriter became
increasingly fascinated by classical music. Picking up her first guitar at 14, she went
straight to writing songs and performing them at local farmers' markets
and bars. Now in her early 30's, she has become far more than just a
local talent. After she released her official debut Boundary County in 2006, Jewell was instantly compared to the likes of Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch, a comparison that holds true due to her emotional voice and heartpouring writing style. Today, she is a national favorite.

Since her last album, Eilen Jewell went to a small cabin in Idaho where, enclosed in isolation, she crafted a particularly moody and somber upcoming album. Calling the album, and in essence herself, Queen of the Minor Key, she wears her somber mood with utmost pride. And with the help of various guests for her backup band, her goal to make this record "even more real, more heartfelt, than the one before it," has become a reality. The album is set for release this coming June, and we are glad to have her welcome the stage for this week's XPN Free at Noon performance, live from the Kimmel Center Plaza and Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts on April 15, 2011.

A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music. Made possible by support from XPN Members, and Comcast.

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

Texas songwriter, Hayes Carll is a dry-witted folk musician whose humble music is poised but infused with
humorous anecdotes. He first picked up a guitar at
the age of 15, played during college, moved around Texas, eventually returning to Houston, his hometown,and started to develop a following. That's where he released his first album, 2002's Flowers Liquor. which became an immediate hit
with critics and fans alike.

Almost a decade later, Carll has racked up a list of achievements, written three more
full-lengths, and spent a good deal of time on the road, honing his craft and receiving
inspiration. First off, his second release, though courted by record companies, was on his
own label, and became the first self-released Americana album to top the charts. Carll has
been named best folk and best new artist by the Houston Press, he's written music with
Guy Clark and Ray Wylie Hubbard, and he's largely recognized as a lead man in a resurgence
of Texas artists greatly influenced by Townes Van Zandt and Bob Dylan.

Carll's latest release is the miliatry acronymic KMAG YOYO, standing for Kiss My A** Guys,
You're on Your Own. It's storied by personal, full of songs with rich military characters
and influences. The album was largely inspired and created on the road, using riffs created
on stage. As Carll puts it on his website, "I wanted to challenge myself musically, and
see if I could capture that live dynamic. A lot of the songs came with the music first,
with the music calling the lyrics."

The resulting album has been described as full of "fiery rock, twangy country, pensive folk and even a touch of gospel." If there really is as close a connection between Carll's
performances and his music, he's got to have really energetic, exciting shows.

Hayes Carll will be here for a Free At Noon show from World Cafe Live on Friday, February 11, playing songs from his brand new album KMAG YOYO. RSVP by clicking on the link above, or hear it on your radio, or online at XPN.org/listen.

A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music. Made possible by support from XPN Members, and Comcast.

Doubleheader: Adele and Matt Duke - SOLD OUT

Hear a concert live Fridays at 12noon ET from WXPN NPR Music
Made possible by XPN Members, and Comcast.

THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT - LISTEN LIVE FRIDAY AT 12NOON
Listen to the Concert Live on the Radio and Online at Listen Live.

British singer/songwriter and multi-Grammy award winner Adele pays a warm welcome to World Cafe Live for this Friday's free at noon concert.

At 22 years old, the accomplished soul sensation was inspired by the works of Etta James, Jeff Buckley and Jill Scott from which she developed a powerful voice of her own. Enrolling in the BRIT School (which produced artists such as Amy Winehouse, Kate Nash, Imogen Heap, and Leona Lewis), Adele perfected her sound by the time of graduation and emerged as a soulful songbird and myspace sensation in 2007 and 2008.

In January 2008, Adele made her premiere on XL Recordings with her full-length debut, 19. Masterfully weaving blues, jazz, folk, pop, and soul into a creative tapestry, 19 introduced Adele's knack for lyrical sincerity. Later nominated with The Mercy Prize, 19 debuted at number one on the UK album chart and quickly attained platinum status. Branching out from the successful seed planted by 19, Adele's sophomore album 21 explores similar topics of love, life and struggle. But with a few more years of experience to line the album, she admits that her handling of such experiences has been more honest and patient and that the 21 has reflected that.

With singles such as "Rolling in the Deep" hitting number one on the charts before the album was even released, Adele has become an inspiring global sensation.
You do not want to miss the opportunity to see her perform live!

A Special Appearance from Philly's Own, Matt Duke

Twenty-six year old Philadelphian, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Duke started off by performing in coffee houses in the area. He recorded his first demo in the winter of 2004. In 2008, he released a second full-length album Kingdom Underground, his first with the label Ryko.

His newest album, One Day Die is due for release March 1. He will be performing at World Cafe Live on March 5 opening for Vienna Teng!

Matt Duke has been one of our WXPN Musicians On Call performers and has helped raise awareness and support for this program.

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

The esteemed Losers Lounge tribute to The Rat Pack, a bi-monthly tribute project established in New York City by Joe McGinty (keyboardist for Psychedelic Furs, The Romones) in 1993, is coming to Philadelphia to pay honorable tribute to none other than The Rat Pack!

When McGinty and singer Nick Danger established Losers Lounge, their original piano singalong night turned into a hit tribute concert to Burt Bacharach. Since then, McGinty and Danger maintained a strong tradition of honoring artists throughout time and space, and with the help of the Kustard Kings back up band, they've thrown over 16 years of sold out tribute shows across various NY venues. In the past, Losers Lounge has explored well known and lesser known works by artists such as Queen, Neil Diamond, and David Bowie, with quite a number of famous artists such as Debby Harry and Nellie McKay stopping in to join the fun. Now turning their attention to the famed 1960's Rat Pack, which included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford, Losers Lounge are coming to Philadelphia to present an exciting list of covers.

For the first time in history, they are bringing their exciting performance to Philly. So if you love the music of the Rat Pack, come join us this Friday at Noon for an unforgettable tribute to some of history's most cherished musicians.

A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music. Made possible by support from XPN Members, and Comcast.

PARKING NOTICE and Directions

Due to the construction in the area, free parking is no longer available for XPN Free At Noon shows. Metered parking on 31st street is no longer available, and metered parking on Walnut Street is extremely limited.

Listen to the Concert Live Friday on the Radio and Online at XPN.org/listen.

Kurt Elling is among the world's foremost jazz vocalists. He has been named "Male Singer of
the Year" by the Jazz Journalists Association on half a dozen occasions in the past ten years,
and during the same interval has been the perennial winner of the DownBeat Critics Poll. He
is also a Grammy winner, and every record he has made has been Grammy nominated.
Elling's rich baritone spans four octaves and features both astonishing technical mastery and
emotional depth. His command of rhythm, texture, phrasing, and dynamics is more like a
virtuoso jazz instrumentalist than a vocalist. His repertoire includes original compositions and
modern interpretations of standards, all of which are springboards for inspired improvisation,
scatting, spoken word, and poetry.s

Declared The New York Times, "Elling is the standout male vocalist of our time." Said The
Washington Post, "Since the mid-1990s, no singer in jazz has been as daring, dynamic or
interesting as Kurt Elling. With his soaring vocal flights, his edgy lyrics and sense of being on
a musical mission, he has come to embody the creative spirit in jazz." He has been featured in
profiles for CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, on Ramsey Lewis's Legends of Jazz, and in hundreds
of publications.

Elling has recorded and/or performed with an array of artists, including Terence Blanchard,
Dave Brubeck, Jon Hendricks, Charlie Hunter, Al Jarreau, Christian McBride, and Kurt
Rosenwinkel. He served as the Artist-in-Residence for the Singapore Music and Monterey
Jazz Festivals. He has also written multi-disciplinary works for The Steppenwolf Theatre and
the City of Chicago. The Obama Administration's first state dinner featured Elling in a
command performance.

Elling is a renowned artist of vocalese—the writing and performing of words over recorded
improvised jazz solos. The natural heir to jazz pioneers Eddie Jefferson, King Pleasure, and
Jon Hendricks, Elling has set his own lyrics to the improvised solos of Wayne Shorter, Keith
Jarrett, and Pat Metheny. He often incorporates images and references from writers such as
Rilke, Rumi, Neruda, and Proust into his work. The late poet and Bollingen Prize winner
Robert Creeley wrote, "Kurt Elling takes us into a world of sacred particulars. His words are
informed by a powerful poetic spirit."

Already 2010 has been a year of expanded creativity for Elling. He completed an extensive
tour with the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars and staged Passion World, a commissioned
event for Jazz at Lincoln Center with French accordion virtuoso Richard Galliano, singing
songs of love and loss in four languages. Elling also just completed The Gate, a new studio
recording for Concord Records. Produced by Don Was (The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt),
The Gate will be released in February 2011.

A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music. Made possible by support from XPN Members, and Comcast.

PARKING NOTICE and Directions

Due to the construction in the area, free parking is no longer available for XPN Free At Noon shows. Metered parking on 31st street is no longer available, and metered parking on Walnut Street is extremely limited.